The Messed Up Truth About 19th Century Murderess Mary Ann Cotton

After George Ward's death and the subsequent insurance payment, Britannica reports, Mary Ann Cotton became a housekeeper for widower James Robinson in 1866. Soon after she entered the home, Robinson's infant son died of yes, you guessed it "gastric fever."

After George Ward's death and the subsequent insurance payment, Britannica reports, Mary Ann Cotton became a housekeeper for widower James Robinson in 1866. Soon after she entered the home, Robinson's infant son died of — yes, you guessed it — "gastric fever."

According to Mary Ann Cotton, Cotton wed Robinson in 1867. Her mother, Margaret, died after Cotton visited the woman in March 1867. She officially died of hepatitis, though she died just over a week after her daughter came to tend to her. Cotton took her daughter, Isabella Jane, who had been living with Margaret, with her. Isabella lasted a few weeks until she died of "gastric fever," and she was soon followed by two more of Robinson's children, who succumbed to "continued fever" and yet another case of "gastric fever," according to death records. All three children had been subjects of small life insurance policies. When Cotton gave birth to her and Robinson's child, her infant daughter quickly died of "convulsions." Their next child, George, was one of the rare few of Cotton's children who would survive her.

In 1869, Robinson discovered that she was stealing from him and reportedly kicked her out. Before their final break, Cotton had attempted to get Robinson to insure both himself and the remaining children. Whether or not he suspected his wife of something worse than fraud isn't clear, but we do know that Robinson refused, saving their lives.

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